Glandular fever causes a sore throat, fever, swollen tonsils and glands in the neck. In young people the disease is often abrupt in onset with profound tiredness, aching muscles, fever, very swollen tonsils and enlarged neck glands. There may be a short or prolonged period (days or weeks) after the initial illness when the tiredness continues and the patient may feel dispirited and depressed.
Causes of Glandular fever
Glandular fever, sometimes known as infectious mononucleosis, is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus and this virus persists within the patient for life, after the illness has resolved. Small amounts of the virus are present in the saliva. This virus is caught by close contact between children or young people who have not been infected and adults who carry the virus but have long ago recovered from the illness.
In Western society in young people it is known as 'kissing disease' in that it is very common in adolescence when it spreads amongst young people of similar ages when sexual activity first begins. It is a common and sometimes debilitating infection in undergraduates. In less developed societies and in western societies with large kindergartens, play groups and creche facilities with close contact between large groups of young children, the virus is known to spread in a younger age group with only trivial illness resulting.
Diagnosis of Glandular Fever
The appearance of a sore throat, swollen tonsils and neck glands and profound debility in an adolescent is very often the first indication of this illness. The hospital laboratory can diagnose glandular fever by testing a blood sample from a patient.
Antibiotic treatment, occasionally given by the general practitioner in the mistaken belief that the sore throat is a bacterial infection, is associated with the appearance of a widespread rash. This is characteristic of glandular fever and is a reason to avoid certain antibiotics during adolescence.
Treating the Illness
There is no drug which is useful to reduce the activity of the Epstein-Barr virus which causes this disease. The best advice for the individual suffering from glandular fever, is to ensure that he has plenty of fluids and enough rest during the period that he is actually ill.
Stress may extend the period of recovery and for adolescents working at university for exams, this may present a real problem. On rare occasions, a patient may require admission to hospital if the tonsils become excessively swollen.
Other Diseases Associated With Glandular Fever
There is now evidence that in certain parts of South East Asia, a rare form of cancer of the nasal passages is associated with the Epstein-Barr virus. In the frost free areas of Africa there is a treatable form of childhood cancer called Burkitt's lymphoma which is associated with Epstein-Barr virus infection.
Source:
National Health Service online
